Bab 13: The Elven Mage
The Wandering Devil
Chapter: 13
Pa/ t reon details at the bottom of the chapter if you're interested I'll keep posting regardless.
(The Elven Mage)
My wounds slowly started to seal up as the elven woman in front of me healed me. A ring on her finger let out a soft green glow that contrasted against the dark dreary ambience the dungeon naturally produced.
After she had finished off the Black Goliath variant she had basically forced me to take a seat before healing me. Which was why we were both currently seated in the Goliath's chamber.
Turns out I had encountered someone quite special. Someone who didn't need saving at all in hindsight.
Considering she was a level six adventurer and to put that in comparison I think the Black Goliath was in the lower stages of level five. Her display of magic had certainly been powerful enough even if the Black Goliath had been severely weakened by me.
"I hope you aren't going to force me to pay you for your services like some Egyptian necklace seller." I idly commented.
Breaking the silence that had descended as she focused on healing me.
Riveria Ljos. I hadn't recognised her at first, since real life and anime were much different. Both in personality and looks.
She raised a curious eyebrow, her shining emerald eyes focusing on me.
"Egypt? I've never heard of such a place." She replied.
Most people expect Hestia who had spent many late nights merely speaking to me about my world know what many of my phrases meant.
"I would be shocked if you had, it's quite far away. I'll take you on a date there sometime if you're up for it." I teasingly suggested.
Her elven ears twitched but other than that showed no reaction to my comment.
I felt in a good mood. I had calmed down from my little wrathful moment, which had clued me in on what my sin was surprisingly enough.
I wasn't sure if it was because I had merged with the previous Zephyrion or not that had caused me to possess that sin. Consider Zephyrion had been a polite quiet boy.
"You can teleport?" She finally said, her eyes shining as if she had finally registered that part of my statement.
I probably shouldn't have said that, but she was a powerful magic user herself so I figured she may know how to do it as well.
"I can. Can't you?" I questioned.
She shook her head.
"Guess I'll have to give you a hands-on lesson sometime, magic user to magic user style." I teased again.
Her lips twitched this time and she couldn't contain the desire in my eyes.
Seems like I've found a magic enthusiast. Which wasn't surprising, magic was awesome and I had spent many hours simply going over it. Creating new attacks and trying to gain more control.
Unfortunately, I hadn't been given a chance to learn magic from anyone. So I mostly spent my time trying to focus on my imagination magic instead of finding new magics.
Imagination magic was extremely versatile after all. I just needed to unlock its secret while also gaining the necessary demonic reserves and control.
"You aren't human, are you?" She asked, inspecting me closely. She was still healing me, so the soft glow of her healing magic was visible on our faces.
I paused, my eyes squinting just a bit.
Had I given too much away? I hadn't said anything to give that away. Was it because of my magic ability? Perhaps she didn't believe a human could be as good as me in magic.
If I remember correctly, elves were more attuned to magic.
"Why do you think I'm not human?" I asked casually, keeping my tone steady.
She tilted her head minutely.
"You are too clean and you smell different, good even. Not like humans. Plus your magic is very powerful." She replied before pausing at her own words.
"…"
She could tell I wasn't human because I was clean..?
I didn't know whether that was a good thing or not. I don't think my being of a different race was a problem considering the variety of different races living within Orario.
"Congratulations you are the first to notice on your own. You've got good eyes. Yes, I am not human." I replied after a moment's contemplation.
She nodded. Completely my racist comment.
"Are you an elf? Your ears are not pointed but I heard some elves disguise themselves." Riviera asked curiously.
I smiled mysteriously.
"You're going to have to find that out," I responded casually.
If you were wondering why I acted the way I did, there were two reasons. First, having a powerful magic user as a friend could be incredibly useful in the future, so keeping her interested in me seemed like a smart move.
I hadn't interacted with many people properly and such a powerful level six adventurer was bound to know quite a lot.
I also wanted to see if I could mimic some of her spells since while imagination magic wasn't quite the all-spell cheat it sounded like. It was well capable of copying any elemental spells.
The more I knew, the more my mind could supply my imagination with. Which in turn made my magic more potent in a sense.
Second, she also happened to be an insanely attractive elven woman.
"I don't know of any other elves that are currently adventuring that have such powerful and unique magic as yourself. May I ask what level you are?" She asked politely.
I leaned back slightly, a playful grin spreading across my face as I considered how to answer Riveria's question. Considering I was technically only level two and considered a middle-class devil at home since I hadn't hit maturity yet.
"Level two," I said, letting my answer hang in the air, enjoying the way her brows furrowed in surprise.
"Level two?" she echoed my response, a sceptical look on her face.
"Even if you are a concealed elf with innate magical abilities, achieving that level of physical power and magical capacity without a falna should be impossible. Not even with my royal bloodline could I hope to match even a fraction, perhaps ten per cent of what you just displayed at level two." She replied.
"Yeah, I know. Doesn't quite add up, does it?" I said, a sly grin tugging at the corner of my mouth. As I looked at her "But hey maybe it's just my workout routine, or maybe it's just dumb luck. Who knows really?"
I'd like to say it was a mixture of both.
Riveria's beautiful emerald eyes narrowed slightly, scrutinising me with a sharp gaze. "Even with a falna, it's unheard of for a level two to be able to use such strength and magical prowess. Lying so blatantly wouldn't make sense especially if you are an elf which is my major suspicion."
"It's not all about levels right? A bit of creativity, some ingenuity, and a pinch of craziness can go a long way."
I was just having fun at this point.
She seemed to consider my words carefully, her expression unreadable. "Maybe but you're still an enigma, and I can't help but wonder what you're hiding."
Was it bad I thought the intense gaze I was receiving was kind of hot?
I chuckled softly in response, shaking my head lightly.
"I'm not hiding anything… maybe just a few tricks I keep hidden up my sleeve. But you'll have to stick around to find out what they are." My tone was light and mostly teasing, but I could see the curiosity in her eyes deepen.
"Okay, then tell me. Do you know what that monster was or how it appeared? I have never seen that weird mutated Goliath variant before." She asked, frowning in thought.
"To be honest this was my first coming down here and fighting the Goliath. I was just about to cross into the Safe Haven when it appeared." I answered truthfully. No point spreading a web of lies I would have to keep up with when I don't need to.
"How about you tell me your name? Here I had been risking my life to save you only to find out you're much stronger than myself." I questioned, changing the subject.
Technically she hadn't told me her name.
"You don't know who I am?" Her lips quivered into the faintest hint of a smile. "You're also deflecting."
I shrugged shamelessly.
"All I know at the moment is that a mysterious pretty elven lady gave me an assist on a very powerful monster who seemed to have it out for my existence," I replied dismissively.
Her lips twitched once again.
Not used to compliments are we? I'm not that surprised. I can imagine she's pretty intimidating with her level and the passive ice queen face she's got going on.
Even if she was a bombshell even for women in this world.
"I am Riveria Ljos, Co-Captain of the Loki Familia and a high-elf." She calmly announced.
I nodded in mock thought and then smiled a moment later, standing up slowly as her healing magic finished its work. Her green eyes never left me, filled with curiosity.
"It wouldn't be very polite if I didn't announce myself. I am Zephyrion, Captain of the Hestia Familia." I replied courteously.
"The Hestia Familia?" She questioned.
"The one and only," I responded. "Now, as much as I've enjoyed this conversation and appreciate the healing, I believe my Goddess will start to get worried if I stay down here any longer."
Riviera frowned. "You're leaving so soon?
"Will my presence be missed?" I suggested cockily.
"Do you think it's wise to traverse the dungeon after battling such a powerful monster?" She added on quickly.
That was true, but I had planned on setting up a teleportation circle outside of the Goliath Chamber and teleporting directly back to the abandoned church.
So it wasn't like I was going to have to fight any monsters which would be a challenge since my body is still aching.
"Did you think I was lying about my ability to teleport?" I chuckled.
She shook her head quickly.
"No, forgive me. I was simply wondering if you would like me to show you around the safe floor?" Riviera questioned innocently.
"I am interested in learning more about you and your magic." She added after a moment's thought. Her ears twitched adorably.
"I'm afraid as much as I would like to explore the new floor, I have things to do. Perhaps you can show me another time?" I asked.
She nodded calmly, rising from her position and sitting down.
"If you need to find me, I will either be in the dungeon or within the Loki Familia compound." She calmly replied. "Merely ask the Adventurers guarding the front door for me."
"I'll do that, you're the first other magic user I've come across and such a beautiful one at that," I responded with a smile.
She ignored my comment about her beauty once more. Merely opting to give me a small smile. Even as her cheeks warmed up almost Unnoticeably.
Riviera turned around and left down the doors leading to the Safe Haven floor. I took the time to admire her ass as she walked away for a moment before focusing back on the matter at hand.
Now, the biggest question.
How was I going to get this massive monster crystal to the surface with me?
-Scene Break-
"What exactly are we looking for again?" Bell asked, his eyes scanning the rows of armour and weapons laid out before us.
"An upgrade," I replied, without taking my eyes off a particularly well-crafted chest plate. "You've been getting by with that worn-out gear because, let's be honest, I've been there to save your skin every time you're about to be monster food. Which is partly my fault for taking you to floors that would be deemed suicidal for anyone else of your strength. But that's about to change."
He shot me a curious glance.
"I'm getting busier, and it means you're going to have to start dungeon diving without me. So, you'll need to be ready to fight monsters without me. You will be sticking to weaker floors than you're used to but I still want you to have some extra protection." I concluded my little explanation.
Bell frowned.
"Is it because of those contracts I handed out?" Bell questioned worriedly. "I haven't caused a problem have I?"
I stared at him flatly.
How did he even come to that conclusion?
"No, I'm going to be doing something soon that will keep me a little busy. On that note, I'll need you to keep one of those contracts and summon me with it if you don't see him within a few days." I replied.
I was finally going to test my strange world jumping ability out. after I wrapped some loose ends up and made some preparations of course. I didn't want to leave this world forever. Not in the slightest.
I wanted to see if I could travel worlds and if there was a way back to Zephyrion's original world. Despite my human mind taking dominant control I was still Zephyrion. I was Zephyrion and experienced his memories.
Even if the emotions tied to the memories didn't exactly feel clear. There was a desire to see my overprotective sisters, even if I knew it would be difficult to train or explore with their presence.
It's why my magical tutoring had been so late after all.
The practical side of me couldn't deny the value of getting my hands on some Gremory magical tomes. It would help me improve my usage of imagination magic.
I'm sure being a pureblood devil with the backing of the Gremory would also come with a lot more benefits.
I wonder if my devil family was looking for me. Did Serafall miss me?
I focused back on the sets of armours we were looking at. Bell preferred light armour since he liked moving around. I was just looking for a certain armour made by someone I knew.
Welf Crozzo.
Finally, I found a set of light armour that seemed to be in pristine condition. The chest plate looked solid enough, with a sleek design that covered the vital areas without seeming too bulky.
The metal had a subtle sheen, nothing too shiny or overly pretentious, more like it had been forged for practicality rather than show. The arm guards and leg plates were just as straightforward.
I reached out and ran my fingers over the surface. The material felt sturdy but lightweight.
Bell looked at the armour interestedly.
"What do you think?" I questioned, handing the light chest plate to Bell.
He inspected it and smiled.
"I like it. It wouldn't impede my speed and would provide me with a good amount of protection." He replied.
We walked over to the counter and I gave the normal-looking shopkeeper a quick nod and handed over the valis for the armour. Bell proceeded to thank me profusely like he always did when I got him something but I waved him off.
He was growing, both in skill and confidence. I was going to be busy for a little while so he was going to be in charge in my stead.
Let's hope Hestia doesn't freak out over my decision.
The door chimed softly behind us as we stepped out of the shop, the fresh air of Orario hitting us after being surrounded by the smell of metal and leather inside. The streets were busy as per usual with adventurers and merchants.
We turned to head back to the guild when something caught my eye.
In the distance, by the entrance to a nearby alleyway, a small commotion was unfolding. A group of adventurers were gathered in a tight circle, their backs to us, but I could hear the rough tone of their voices.
I felt a sharp sense of recognition as I spotted Lili.
That was another thing I needed to do. I wanted Lili to be tied to our Familia. She was extremely good at what she did and able to keep up with the chaos.
The Soma Familia. How was I going to go about doing it?
"Bell, I'll meet you at the church. I've got some errands to run." I called out over my shoulder.
"O-oh, I'll see you at home." He replied.
I waved.
My eyes were focused on Lili who was being harassed by a group of her fellow Soma Familia members. I hadn't seen her harassed like this before so I had never been given a chance to help her out.
I should have gotten her out of the Soma Familia earlier. I was simply wary. My magic gave me a huge advantage over other adventurers but taking on an entire Familia alone wasn't something that could be done without thought.
While the quality of members left a lot to be desired, they did have numbers. Perhaps there was a simpler way to go about this.
I had been trying to use my imagination magic to make some camouflage but I hadn't had long enough to truly test it out. I doubt I would be able to use it in the time frame I needed.
I could just send a massive fireball at their Familia building and call it a day but potentially killing innocents and starting a massive fire didn't seem smart.
I'd have to ask Lili about her Familia more before making a solid plan.
The distance between me and Lili had shrunk as I went through my thoughts. I could hear the harsh laughter of the adventurers, their spat words dripping with disdain.
They hadn't noticed me closing in on their location yet. Their attention was focused solely on Lili, who was acting completely different to the girl I had gotten to know.
Lili stayed quiet with her head lowered down as she took the insults. Which was why she hadn't noticed me. Annoyance lanced through me as I watched her accept the abuse.
She had opened up since joining us, becoming much more laid back and happy. Like she had been when she had joined the Hestia Familia in the original danmachi world.
Which was why she had gone from someone I had to watch in case of a backstabbing moment, especially after I had gotten her with my contract.
To someone me and Bell could call a friend. We had gone on dozens of dungeon dives by now.
Seeing her revert to this was annoying.
"You owe us money brat." One of them gruffly spoke.
He was a broad-shouldered man with a scar running down his cheek. His grimy leather armour looked like it hadn't been maintained in years, and the scent of alcohol wafted off him.
He was the one who had spoken first
"But I paid you the amount that was owed for this month," Lili muttered.
"Yeah, well. The tax has doubled since you've found yourself that fancy adventurer." The second thug chuckled, standing a step behind.
He was smaller but wiry, with a sly grin spread widely on his face. His beady eyes glinted with amusement, and he tapped a dagger against his thigh in what he probably assumed was a menacing rhythm.
Lili looked up in frustration, only for her face to freeze as she saw me watching from behind.
My eyes flickered around us, noting the few people watching.
I sighed. Right, the civil way it is.
"Excuse me," I called out.
The broad-shouldered man whose name I didn't care to learn turned around, raising an eyebrow at my appearance. He took note of my appearance and smiled at me.
"If you'll excuse me for a moment, I need to deal with this brat who owes me money," he said gruffly.
Was that supposed to sound professional? What kind of service did he think he was offering?
He clearly wasn't as dumb as he looked. Did he actually think I came here to hire him?
"Lili's part of my team, and watching her get pushed around by a bunch of guys twice her size doesn't sit well with me," I said back.
"Who gives a shit about what you think?" The other smaller one decided to speak.
I turned to him. I took a long inhale of breath.
"Hey Lili, do you know this punk?" The guy called back to her.
"Pete." The Broad-shouldered man hissed.
He got up in my face and I felt what I now knew to be my Sin Of Wrath starting to make an itching sensation appear in my chest.
Okay. One last attempt at stopping this peacefully. I couldn't go around punching and killing anyone I wanted. I wasn't stupid, just brash.
I held my hand up, letting a ball of hot fire form in my hand.
The newly identified thuggish-looking man named Pete stumbled back.
"Lili, come here before I burn this gentleman's face off," I called out casually.
She quickly came over and walked behind me.
The three men looked suitably intimidated.
I distinguished the fire and nodded happily as they smartly made no further attempt.
I turned around and led Lili away. I made sure to keep an eye on them in the reflection of passing windows. Unlike the common dumb-ass thug trope, they truly didn't make any further move.
The walk was silent, the only sound being the speaking from passing people. We continued walking until we found a street that was quiet enough. Lili decided to finally say something.
"You shouldn't have done that Zeph." Lili said softly.
"Why not?" I questioned.
"Because it'll just cause more problems, for me and you. I still have to go back to them at the end of the day even though I spend most days with you and Bell." Lili sighed sadly.
"Not anymore," I responded.
She looked up at me confusedly.
"You'll be living in the abandoned church with us until I can get us a bigger house to move into. Then you'll be living in that too." I replied with a smile.
She looked at me hopefully before shaking her head and deflating.
"I can't," Lili replied.
"Why?" I asked with confusion. "Do you not want to?"
"I do, but it would cause you trouble." She sadly admitted.
I gave her a pat on her head.
"Leave that to me," I replied with a shark-like grin that oddly seemed to make her relax.
-Scene Break-
Hestia sat on my back, her hands wandering and groping my skin. An action I was sure wasn't needed as she checked out the seal that was preventing me from using my clan trait.
The power of destruction.
Lili was in the other room with Bell. She had tried to continue to protest but I hadn't let up. Which was why she was now sleeping on the couch and Bell too was sleeping
Hestia had been sitting on my back for a few minutes, murmuring softly as she inspected the seal. She had done a few inspections before but not as in-depth as she was doing now.
I'd wanted to have the seal removed for a while, but I chose to wait until I had better control over my demonic power. I didn't want it to go out of control like it had supposedly done when I was born.
"I can use my godly powers but I do have a way to weaken it. I would need my fully godly powers to unseal it fully. Sorry." She eventually said apologetically.
"No need to be sorry. My sister is a powerful woman. What will partially unsealing it do?" I questioned.
"Well, you won't be able to use that unique power I can sense but you will gain a boost to your magic reserves and the seal will be easier to break in the future. Potentially even undoing itself in the future if you can't find a way." She explained.
I smiled brightly.
"An increase in my demonic reserves? Hell yeah. I am sure I'll find a way to break the seal sometime in the future." I replied enthusiastically and she giggled cutely in response.
She suddenly frowned.
"It's going to hurt Zeph, are you sure you want to do it? I don't want to hurt you." Hestia said sadly.
My arm stretched out and I took hold of her hand.
"Hey, don't worry about me. A little pain for that is nothing." I replied.
"I don't know." She said hesitantly.
Getting an idea, I spoke.
"Think about it as improving my chances of survival. With more magical power I'll be able to last longer and deal with stronger foes." I said and she perked up.
"It would, wouldn't it?" She mumbled.
She stayed silent for a few moments before nodding her head determinedly.
"Okay, prepare yourself. This is going to hurt." She warned. Giving my cheek a soft kiss.
I felt her move and drop something on my back. It was some sort of liquid.
I felt it heat up and Hestia moved behind me before the drops of liquid suddenly sank into my skin.
"Sorry, Zeph," Hestia said apologetically.
And I felt a searing pain lance through me a moment later.
-END-
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Status Power Mingguan
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Power 
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